A housefly-sized parasite and a single infected cow in Mexico have sent shockwaves through Texas cattle ranching. For the past six weeks, cattle shipments from Mexico have been halted, throwing a wrench in a multi-million-dollar industry.

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The culprit? The screwworm, a nasty parasite that burrows into livestock and can kill if untreated. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) temporarily banned Mexican cattle imports after finding the pest in a cow near Guatemala. While the screwworm is bad news, Texas ranchers say the bigger problem is the ban itself, which has stalled cattle supplies and could lead to higher beef prices.

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Why the Ban is a Big Deal

About 3% of U.S. cattle come from Mexico, but they’re crucial to southern states like Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Nearly two-thirds of Mexican cattle imports stay in these areas, where they help fill feedlots and keep beef production running smoothly.

With imports on hold, prices for feeder cattle are rising, and that cost could eventually trickle down to consumers. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says the USDA’s ban is premature and hurting an industry already strained by drought and high prices.

“I get calls every single day from people asking for cattle,” said Alvaro Bustillos, president of Vaquero Trading, an El Paso-based livestock procurement company.

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A Costly Threat

Screwworm was eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, but it caused $132 million in damages during a Texas outbreak in 1976. The USDA says keeping screwworm out saves U.S. livestock producers nearly $1 billion annually.

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The parasite lays eggs in open wounds, and its larvae feed on living tissue. To prevent outbreaks, sterile male flies are dropped over affected areas to stop reproduction. This technique has kept screwworm at bay in Panama, creating a protective barrier for North America.

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What’s Next?

The USDA has started installing new inspection protocols, and limited imports might resume soon. But for ranchers like Bustillos, the delay is already costing time and money. “Cattle imported at the wrong time lose value,” he warned.

While federal officials work to reopen the border safely, ranchers hope for a swift resolution. Until then, the pressure is on to balance protecting livestock and keeping the beef industry thriving.

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